6Sensor Labs

Changing how we live with food allergies

6Sensor Labs

Changing how we live with food allergies

6SensorLabs, a San Francisco tech startup, is offering consumers suffering from food allergies long-desired peace of mind at mealtime. Born out of MIT, the company has developed breakthrough technology for accurately and quickly detecting even the most minute traces of protein in food. Their first product is a gluten sensor.

To help manifest their vision and technology, Montaag worked with 6SensorLabs to design Nima - a sleek, discreet, and ultra-intuitive portable sensor. Nima enables consumers to easily and subtly test their food for gluten-content, empowering them to take control of their dining experience and eat with confidence.

From the device, users will be able to directly share results and access and contribute to a growing, verifiable world-wide map of allergen-free menus, dishes and products. For the ever-growing population of food-intolerant and -allergic consumers, Nima is a game-changer: small enough to fit in your pocket, with an easy-to-use interface, it integrates seamlessly with mobile, tablet, and desktop screens.

VARD

Near future OSCV concept

VARD

Near future OSCV concept

VARD is a major global designer and builder of specialized vessels used in the offshore oil and gas exploration industries, as well as production and oil services. VARD’s long shipbuilding traditions, cutting-edge innovation and technology coupled with its global operations give the company significant standing in the fastest growing oil exploration markets.

Montaag was commissioned by the Ålesund, Norway-headquartered company to conceptualize and design, from the inside out, the next generation OSCV: a 180-meter long Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel that houses a crew of up to 150 people. The two overarching goals for our concept: a significantly more economical and efficient ship that results in a wider operational window, and an elevation of onboard quality-of-life to attract future captains and crew to their new “home away from home.” Kicked-off with extensive and immersive research, and achieved through close working relationships with all VARD stakeholders, the resulting VARD/Montaag collaboration, named “A Step Forward,” makes its debut at Nor-Shipping 2015, in Oslo, Norway.

Exterior

The exterior of the VARD near-future OSCV cuts an unmistakable profile on the horizon. Designed to further increase the ship’s efficiency, durability and sustainability, the exterior details are integrated to unprecedented levels, and directly informed the layout of the ship’s interior. The configuration increases visibility from the bridge, lowers the center of gravity, and maximizes both fuel efficiency and deck space.

Form Language

This OSCV vision features a new, bold and distinctive form factor that scales well between different vessel types and sympathetically integrates complex functionality with the need for a strong, brand-specific character.

Modular Bridge Design

This OSCV’s wheelhouse/DP station hovers above the ship in a focus-enhancing “cockpit” constellation. The traditional bridge below becomes a general-access, multi-purpose room. Both are units in a modular bridge design that can be utilized across multiple boat types.

Helideck

The helideck design integrates fully and seamlessly with the multi-purpose bridge and general ship architecture, allowing for easy access for visitors both arriving and departing. Built into the structure of the ship, the helideck is larger than conventional decks and easier and safer for helicopters to land on---a welcome feature in harsher conditions.

Interior

Creating a 21st Century “home away from home” is the overarching design principle for the ship’s interior architecture. This has meant complete focus on improving the quality of on-board living and user experiences. For example, larger, more traditional dayrooms have been replaced by a series of smaller, efficient and unique social areas that are cosier, more welcoming, and offer different opportunities for relaxation or socializing. Additionally, by providing onshore-level connectivity on board, old ship-bound socializing paradigms are replaced by new. These and similar considerations extend throughout all living and working spaces. Uniting them all is a recognizable form and graphic language, designed to easily distinguish a VARD ship’s interior from its competitors-

CMF & Monogram

The CMF concept for this ship represents four distinct characters, a reference to the Norwegian tradition of celebrating all four seasons. These characters are created through color palettes, mood lighting and material selection. Subtly applied to different types of surfaces throughout the ship, in a wide variety of finishes and methods, is a new custom monogram for VARD, inspired by its logo’s “varde”-like “A.”

Wayfinding

Frequent, meaningful and intuitive wayfinding signage with higher legibility makes navigating the ship both safer and more user friendly. A robust system of graphics and icons works to alleviate disorientation and enable the user to more easily and quickly learn his or her way around the ship.

Conference Rooms

With sweeping ocean views and plentiful light, the conference room provides a bright and positive work environment and facilitates focused collaboration. The room connects to a smaller breakout room designed for small discussions and informal meetings, and creates a gathering place before and after meetings. The rooms and furniture are carefully balanced, allowing for free movement of people, both before and during a meeting. Benches along the back wall provide overflow seating so no one is ever left standing.

Cinema

Not only designed for watching movies in a large group, this multi-use room with integrated stage and screen also acts as a conference room, karaoke bar, and debriefing and presentation center. The cinema is a warm and inviting setting with subtle lighting around the steps and felt wall panels. Made for long periods of sitting, the cinema seating is comfortable. Tiered seatings allow for an unobstructed view of the screen and stage, while felt panels throughout dampen distracting room noise. L-shaped steps provide easy access to seating from multiple areas.

Mess rooms

With large windows allowing for natural light, sweeping views, and access to an outdoor terrace, the mess room is a refreshing environment. Semi-transparent dividers separate the space from serving area to dining area. Versatile seating options give the crew the ability to sit and socialize in large groups, smaller booths, and to sit alone at the bar. Layout ensures that the line does not interrupt the dining area and flows smoothly through the three serving stations. Galley entry behind serving station allows easy access for the cooks, and a connected scullery and serving area provide easy transfer of dishes and food containers.

Crew Cabins

Creating real opportunities for privacy and personal space were serious drivers for the entire ship, but especially important with regards to crew cabins. Montaag designed a layout that provides all crew members with their own private sleeping and living quarters with a shared bathroom, unprecedented on a ship of this caliber. Flexibility and efficiency define these cabins.

Captain's Cabin

Larger than the standard cabins, the Captain’s cabin has ample daylight and generous windows. A private bathroom divides the sleeping and living space, which includes an office area and a sitting area with large sofa, recliner, and coffee table for relaxation and socializing. Felt panels add warmth and visual interest to the living space and reduce any noise from the wetunit behind. The integrated Corian countertop and sink provides a wet-bar with space for a mini-refrigerator. The smart digital wall display is placed in both the sleeping quarters and living quarters, allowing the captain to connect and transform his space to his desires.

Ocean Lounge

With fantastic sea views and natural light, the expansive, aptly named Ocean Lounge is the perfect place for watching the sun set on the open ocean. Directly above and connected to the Mess Room, the Ocean Lounge features four separate areas that allow for several activities.

The Bridge

Heightened focus, smoother, more efficient workflows, and an overall enhanced bridge experience for those stationed here - these are the attributes of the new VARD bridge system. Starting with the deconstruction of experiences from the traditional Captain’s and DP Officer’s chairs, all the way through addressing the complex array of bridge devices and respective interfaces, this new bridge constellation takes advantage of every opportunity to streamline work while increasing comfort—both physical and psychological.

Bridge Levels

A bridge constellation unlike any other brings fresh opportunity for streamlined communication between officers in different areas, while providing a dynamic and uniquely focused control environment that provides an unprecedented field of vision. The Captain sits perched above the ship, overlooking the helideck, in a compact, comfortable and focused environment called the Cockpit Bridge, which boasts a 360 degree, uninterrupted view of the ocean. The main bridge level is focused around an open floor plan giving the occupants a spacious, tailor-made and highly attractive professional work environment, as well as unobstructed, clear views to the exterior.

Command Station

This is a distinctive mariner's chair built for absolute comfort and concentration. Comfortable yet supportive for long stretches of sitting, the Captain’s Chair seat is upholstered in supple, sturdy leather, and framed in light, rigid carbon fiber. The headrest features an integrated gooseneck microphone for non-taxing, hands-free communication.

Levers

A radical user-experience departure, both functionally and ergonomically, the levers’ domed design language fits perfectly in the hand and provides precise tactile and customizable haptic feedback. The super-low profile frees the area immediately beyond the levers, allowing the user to reach the touch interface with minimal hand movement, providing not only a technological step forward, but also a new paradigm in ergonomics and comfort.

Armrest Consoles

Like all aspects of the chair, the arm rests were designed with long working periods in mind. Their shape fits perfectly with the natural resting position of one’s arms, simultaneously reducing fatigue and the risk of repetitive strain injuries. The arm rests are adjustable---both vertically and horizontally---to best fit each of the chair’s occupants.

VARD Levers

Marine Azimuth and Thruster Levers

VARD Levers

Marine Azimuth and Thruster Levers

A radical user-experience departure, both functionally and ergonomically, the levers’ domed design language fits perfectly in the hand and provides precise tactile and customizable haptic feedback. The super-low profile frees the area immediately beyond the levers, allowing the user to reach the touch interface with minimal hand movement, providing not only a technological step forward, but also a new paradigm in ergonomics and comfort.

Azimuth & Thruster Levers

Built for fingertip input with precise tactile feedback, these groundbreaking levers report high-level data instantly, reducing users’ cognitive load for improved performance in high-pressure situations. Closely positioned with a consistent design language between levers, the low-effort, multi-device azimuth and thruster controllers are readily distinguishable from each other---both visually and tactilely. Integrated fully with the VARD OS, the levers are digitally represented on the console screens, in immediate proximity, providing a clear and understable connection between the two.

VARD Captain's Chair

Designed for the next generation VARD ships

VARD Captain's Chair

Designed for the next generation VARD ships

This is a distinctive mariner's chair built for absolute comfort and concentration. Comfortable yet supportive for long stretches of sitting, the Captain’s Chair seat is upholstered in supple, sturdy leather, and framed in light, rigid carbon fiber. The headrest features an integrated gooseneck microphone for non-taxing, hands-free communication.

Capacitive touchscreens are within natural reach on each armrest. The screens are adjustable to the optimal angle for the chair’s occupant, putting more control of the ship’s complex functionality at his or her fingertips. Fully integrated into the bridge operating system, screen content can be “pushed” to larger bridge displays to create a custom dashboard of information from different sources.

NOV // National Oilwell Varco

NOV Trident Crane Concept

NOV // National Oilwell Varco

NOV Trident Crane Concept

National Oilwell Varco is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production operations and the provision of oilfield services to the upstream oil and gas industry. For more information on NOV please visit NOV.com.

Through immersive research and ongoing collaboration, Montaag is working with NOV to reimagine the subsea offshore crane for the 21st century. Alongside NOV’s crane engineering team, we are not only reconceptualizing crane construction and functionality to dramatically increase safety and widen the operational window of any given mission, but also recasting how such cranes are operated. The main elements of this near future concept are the implementation of fiber rope technology and the introduction of a new Lifting Operation Station. The result is a crane with significantly reduced weight and improved hook-capacity in deeper waters.

This concept is an excellent example of NOV’s drive for purposeful innovation and was presented for the first time at Nor-Shipping 2015.

NOV has a pending patent application directed to features and methods of the lifting crane design. All images presented here used with permission from NOV.

The Anza

Hand-made espresso excellence

The Anza

Hand-made espresso excellence

The Anza is a product of Montaag---a California/Norway-based design firm that looks askance at the everyday and asks, "What if?" and "Why not?"

Hand-hewn and differently-shelled, the Anza irreverently expands on the traditional espresso machine material vernacular, while showcasing streamlined construction for an improved user-experience and ease-of-maintenance. (Photos by Jun Belen and Laura Bucholtz, 2014)

Slåke

Slåke is a proud, small furniture factory from Hjelmeland, Norway

Slåke

Slåke is a proud, small furniture factory from Hjelmeland, Norway

Since 1938 Slåke have produced Jærstolen as a modern Norwegian tradition furniture. Scandinavian design, Norwegian production and the use of the tree as a basic material characterize Slåke's products. For Slåke, furniture carpentry means care for the materials and quality of the finished product. Slåke celebrated their 75th anniversary with a vision to create new classics in Nordic design. The team consists of young, innovative designers charged with safeguarding this company’s heritage while uniting the past with the future. For this occasion, Slåke commissioned Montaag to refresh their visual identity.

Inspired by Scandinavian design traditions, Montaag created a minimalist expression to reinforce Slåke’s focus on their products. The colors are inspired from Hjelmeland surroundings---the sun, sky, mountains, cropland, grass, sand and sea. As a counterbalance to an otherwise tight visual profile, we employed the circle to provide a contrast in both shape and color.

Magni Partners

Management consulting company

Magni Partners

Management consulting company

Magni Partners is Tor Olav Trøim’s newly established management consulting company. Commissioned to create the company’s new corporate identity, Montaag created a brand based on the runic lettering around the name Magni (Norse for Magne, the son of Thor). The lettering was then used as the foundation for the Magni Parters’ logo symbol: the logo is formed when all the runic letters spelling Magni are present.

EGE

Tailor-made doors and bespoke quality

EGE

Tailor-made doors and bespoke quality

EGE is traditional manufacture of tailor-made doors and have made quality products for almost a century. With solid craftsmanship and enthusiasm they have created tailor-made doors for architects, construction companies and private clients who wants one of a kind door.

Montaag was commissioned to create a new identity for EGE in regards to a relaunch of the company. After researching EGE’s traditional way of craftsmanship we wanted to create a brand that in the same way conveyed their bespoke quality. To treat it as a high end brand that does not have the need to say to much, but just simply be, and speak for itself. The logo was created after studying and simplifying to the least necessary form needed to visualize a “door”, also the guest of it being open gives a welcoming connotation. The whole identity from the Logo, stationary to the website is created to be clean and subtle in order to let the products tell the story of history, tradition and craftsmanship.

ALTUS Intervention

Well intervention specialists in the North Sea

ALTUS Intervention

Well intervention specialists in the North Sea

ALTUS Intervention are well intervention specialists in the North Sea, offering wireline, wireline tractor, coiled tubing and pumping and logging services in Norway, Denmark and the UK. Formerly Aker Solutions Well Intervention Services, the company was purchased by private equity fund EQT in january 2014, necessitating a rebranding of the entire company. The business was subsequently rebranded to Qinterra AS, comprising the North Sea well intervention service business ALTUS Intervention and the international well intervention technology business Qinterra Technologies.

Montaag was commission to create and implement a new brand into ALTUS Intervention’s website, brochures, business exhibition stands, catalogues and much more. The majority of the company’s rebranded print and digital assets were produced and rolled out within a 9-month timeframe.

Qinterra Technologies

Specialist well intervention technology company operating globally

Qinterra Technologies

Specialist well intervention technology company operating globally

Qinterra Technologies is a specialist well intervention technology company operating globally. They solve customers’ well intervention challenges by offering combinations of innovative and field-proven well intervention technologies and tools. Formerly Aker Solutions Well Intervention Services, the company was purchased by private equity fund EQT in january 2014, necessitating a rebranding of the entire company. The business was subsequently rebranded to Qinterra AS, comprising the North Sea well intervention service business ALTUS Intervention and the international well intervention technology business Qinterra Technologies.

Montaag was commission to create and implement a new brand into Qinterra Technologies website, brochures, business exhibition stands, catalogues and much more. The majority of the company’s rebranded print and digital assets were produced and rolled out within a 9-month timeframe.

Rodeo

Sculptural, playful and unconventional

Rodeo

Sculptural, playful and unconventional

We sit. We sit a lot. Consequently, according to product developer and physiotherapist Frode Skretting, back pain from sitting too much is the most common cause for sick leave. To combat this, Skretting, in cooperation with Hareide Design, developed and designed the Rodeo chair, focusing on motion and ergonomics. The round Rodeo chair is sculptural, playful and unconventional. The chair's form encourages an active and balanced posture while accomodating people's natural tendency to move. The Rodeo was launched in spring 2014 in both the public and private sectors, and from that context we developed the visual identity and brand.

Montaag authored the chair’s name, Rodeo, reflecting the way you sit on the chair while also lending a feeling of playfulness and masculinity to it. Since this project is about public health, and therefore applicable to a wide audience, we chose to accentuate the cardboard box in which the chair is delivered. The use of the upper case "O" as an identity element in the package design strengthens the identity, but also promotes the product individuality, in a playful and indirect way. The “O” form on the carton is a shape between letter and graphic form, just like the chair challenges the boundaries between sculpture and furniture.

Ryger Lawfirm

Ryger Lawfirm

Ryger is a lawfirm in Stavanger, Norway. The firm offers legal services in most areas of business, with particular focus on real estate, building and construction, as well as labor and bankruptcy.

Montaag was tasked with crafting the identity for the company, beginning with their name: Ryger. Ryger is the old Norse name for the inhabitants of Ryfylke, which is the geographical area in which Stavanger is located. In collaboration with Ryger, the identity created by Montaag reflects their quality, efficiency and professional standing. The website allows visitors to get involved in the work that Ryger engages in, inviting them to see what Ryger is about while also experiencing the beautiful photography that reflects the origin of the company name. The aim of the photographs was to capture the landscape and colors of the Stavanger region, the changing light and all facets. The photographs, by Minna Suojoki, are partially abstracted, providing unique imagery that is both decorative and functional.

Electrocompaniet

EC Living

Electrocompaniet

EC Living

Electrocompaniet is best known as a leading manufacturer of high-end sound equipment largely used in recording studios.

The company is entering a new market with the introduction of EC Living, a line of home audio products: compact high-end, wireless speakers that can live on the kitchen counter, in the living room, the bedroom, etc.. This is a modular system where you build or change the speakers as desired. One can easily supplement with additional speaker units as part of a larger house system or to simply to provide more sound in a given room. All content is streamed and controlled through one’s mobile phone, tablet or handheld system remote. Initially, EC Living speakers come in copper, black aluminum, natural aluminum, wood and plastic (in 3 colors). Modularity was the main design focus during the project, Montaag developed and designed the EC Living hardware, as well as the user-interface for the system’s controls.

Barnestemmen

Amplify children’s voices in society

Barnestemmen

Amplify children’s voices in society

Barnestemmen is a company with the vision to amplify children’s voices in society. They develop educational support tools to use when working with children in difficult life situations, such as violence, sexual abuse, alcoholism and other traumatizing experiences. The tools are practical and have a solid research-based foundation. Founder and initiator Sølvi Schei is an educationalist (Can. paed.) specializing in educational psychology.

For Barnestemmen, Montaag was commissioned to develop the company’s visual identity, website, book design and related packaging. With a limited budget, a large dose of humility and a fantastic illustrator (Anders Emil Sommerfeldt), we began a process which fully engaged us, both professionally and emotionally. Barnstemmen’s “Painful Secrets” book series will similarly engage children and, at the same time, be a useful tool for adults.

While children can relate to the situations illustrated even if they do or don´t have "a painful secret," the series should not be perceived as a traditional children's book. It should be treated as a professional support tool for educators. It was important that packaging, size and design generally took this into account. To strike the necessary balance between the books’ academic and "childish" parts, we employed few, but clear design elements, colors and illustrations that would appeal to children’s curiosity. And, placed on the bookshelf, the use of color makes the books easy to locate and select theme and subject.

Bavaria

BMW Art Cars - The Book

Bavaria

BMW Art Cars - The Book

In 2012 Jeffrey Koon's painted BMW M3 was safely with the utmost precision placed on Pulpit Rock, a major tourist attraction in its own right located in Forsand, Ryfylke, Norway. Some days afterward, the car rolled into Stavanger Art Museum, along with 6 other cars from the storied and priceless collection.

To commemorate the event, Montaag, along with Scandanavian BMW retailer Bavaria and with spectacular images from Bitmap, developed the concept and design of a book befitting of such a unique project.

THE ALAMEDA PROJECT

THE ALAMEDA PROJECT

Why, in one of the wealthiest regions in the world's richest economy are so many families going hungry?

Through THE ALAMEDA PROJECT, Montaag aims to inspire more people to ask this question.

Nationally, local food banks are serving 1 in 7 individuals. But in Alameda County, in the heart of the Bay Area---which includes the populations of Oakland, Fremont, Hayward and Berkeley---that figure is a startling 1 in 5.*

Our vehicle for shining a light on this issue? An irreverently customized 1967 Porsche 911, naturally.

Please, join us in the weeks ahead as we announce our community partner and highlight their work---and showcase the rebuild, customization and ultimate purpose of the project's centerpiece.

*“Hunger in America” — a quadrennial study commissioned by Feeding America, the national network of food banks.

BASIC IDENTITY 2

INDEX BOOK TAPS MONTAAG FOR SLÅKE WORK

BASIC IDENTITY 2

INDEX BOOK TAPS MONTAAG FOR SLÅKE WORK

The good people at Spanish publishing house Index Book clearly have consummate taste, and, as such, we’re very pleased they’ve selected Montaag to be included in their latest branding compendium, the forthrightly named Basic Identity 2.

Index Book specializes in books on graphic design and visual communication. As described on their website, “Basic Identity 2 features different corporate identity projects developed by designers from around the world, showcasing a broad range of styles.”

The Montaag project featured is our work for Norwegian furniture producers Slåke. Inspired by Scandinavian design traditions, and taking our design cues from the company’s Hjelmeland surroundings, we created a minimalist expression to reinforce Slåke’s focus on their products.

We offer a heartfelt Montaag “tusen takk” to Index Book for the opportunity to share our work with a wider audience.

To learn more about Basic Identity 2, visit indexbook.com.
To learn more about our work for Slåke, visit slaake.no.

PRESS RELEASE

NOR-SHIPPING 2015 USHERS IN NORWEGIAN/AMERICAN DESIGN COMPANY

PRESS RELEASE

NOR-SHIPPING 2015 USHERS IN NORWEGIAN/AMERICAN DESIGN COMPANY

Former BMW Designer Per Ivar Selvaag’s California Agency Joins with Celebrated Stavanger Firm GHOST to Form International Design Consultancy

OSLO, NORWAY – In tandem with the Nor-Shipping 2015 unveiling of their first major design endeavor---for energy industry heavyweight VARD ---Berkeley, CA-based MONTAAG announced its recent acquisition of a majority stake in GHOST AS; one of Norway’s most acclaimed design services firms. The two companies will operate as a single corporate entity under the name MONTAAG DESIGN. The new agency, with studios also based in Stavanger and Oslo, will offer clients comprehensive, strategic design consulting services including an integrated research approach.

With the rollout of VARD’s near-future Offshore Vessel, the full breadth of the newly expanded MONTAAG DESIGNS’ capabilities will be on display. From form factor, and user-experience and -interface, to CMF and interior architecture, both projects reflect the application of next-generation design thinking that aims to not only ensure the companies’ favorable returns on investment in increasingly competitive marketplaces, but also offer user experiences that increase safety, efficiency and attract future talent.

Montaag was established in 2013 by principal Per Ivar Selvaag of Finnøy Kommune (NO). With accumulated talent and expertise that extends to include a research team with experience in marketing, psychology and the lab sciences, the team has a collective skill set equipped for multi-dimensional projects.

Montaag works with start-ups and established enterprises alike, in a wide range of industries including technology and robotics, consumer electronics, automotive, maritime, and interior architecture. It is the agency’s distinct perspective and emphasis on research-based design has won Montaag contracts with clients in more specialized and heavy industries, such as global energy.

Ghost, a 10-person agency, with recognized talent in UX, branding, graphic and industrial design, was formed in 1998 by principal designer, Mats Henriksen. Under Henriksen’s direction, the agency has provided design solutions to an impressive array of Norwegian clients across industries.

“Teaming up with Per Ivar and his talented team at Montaag, is both humbling and exciting,” says Henriksen. “In a short timeframe Per Ivar has built Montaag into a solid agency that perfectly matches Ghost´s profile and ambition. I am confident that joining Montaag will make ours a stronger more diverse agency that will benefit all our clients.”

“Mats’ is a team built on Scandinavian design values, with an enviable track record and an established client base,” adds Selvaag. “Together, with footholds in two hemispheres, we will create an agency with a clear and unique voice. This is truly an exciting opportunity for our company and I look forward to combining our skill sets and experiences in order to offer our current and future clients the insights that will add real value to their business.”

2 June 2015

###

At Montaag, we design solutions that sharpen your competitive edge.
This is in many ways our raison d’être and, to us, the only meaningful measure of a job well done.
Designing experiences is what we do.

6Sensor Labs

Changing how we live with food allergies

6Sensor Labs

Changing how we live with food allergies

6SensorLabs, a San Francisco tech startup, is offering consumers suffering from food allergies long-desired peace of mind at mealtime. Born out of MIT, the company has developed breakthrough technology for accurately and quickly detecting even the most minute traces of protein in food. Their first product is a gluten sensor.

To help manifest their vision and technology, Montaag worked with 6SensorLabs to design Nima - a sleek, discreet, and ultra-intuitive portable sensor. Nima enables consumers to easily and subtly test their food for gluten-content, empowering them to take control of their dining experience and eat with confidence.

From the device, users will be able to directly share results and access and contribute to a growing, verifiable world-wide map of allergen-free menus, dishes and products. For the ever-growing population of food-intolerant and -allergic consumers, Nima is a game-changer: small enough to fit in your pocket, with an easy-to-use interface, it integrates seamlessly with mobile, tablet, and desktop screens.

VARD

Near future OSCV concept

VARD

Near future OSCV concept

VARD is a major global designer and builder of specialized vessels used in the offshore oil and gas exploration industries, as well as production and oil services. VARD’s long shipbuilding traditions, cutting-edge innovation and technology coupled with its global operations give the company significant standing in the fastest growing oil exploration markets.

Montaag was commissioned by the Ålesund, Norway-headquartered company to conceptualize and design, from the inside out, the next generation OSCV: a 180-meter long Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel that houses a crew of up to 150 people. The two overarching goals for our concept: a significantly more economical and efficient ship that results in a wider operational window, and an elevation of onboard quality-of-life to attract future captains and crew to their new “home away from home.” Kicked-off with extensive and immersive research, and achieved through close working relationships with all VARD stakeholders, the resulting VARD/Montaag collaboration, named “A Step Forward,” makes its debut at Nor-Shipping 2015, in Oslo, Norway.

Exterior

The exterior of the VARD near-future OSCV cuts an unmistakable profile on the horizon. Designed to further increase the ship’s efficiency, durability and sustainability, the exterior details are integrated to unprecedented levels, and directly informed the layout of the ship’s interior. The configuration increases visibility from the bridge, lowers the center of gravity, and maximizes both fuel efficiency and deck space.

Form Language

This OSCV vision features a new, bold and distinctive form factor that scales well between different vessel types and sympathetically integrates complex functionality with the need for a strong, brand-specific character.

Modular Bridge Design

This OSCV’s wheelhouse/DP station hovers above the ship in a focus-enhancing “cockpit” constellation. The traditional bridge below becomes a general-access, multi-purpose room. Both are units in a modular bridge design that can be utilized across multiple boat types.

Helideck

The helideck design integrates fully and seamlessly with the multi-purpose bridge and general ship architecture, allowing for easy access for visitors both arriving and departing. Built into the structure of the ship, the helideck is larger than conventional decks and easier and safer for helicopters to land on---a welcome feature in harsher conditions.

Interior

Creating a 21st Century “home away from home” is the overarching design principle for the ship’s interior architecture. This has meant complete focus on improving the quality of on-board living and user experiences. For example, larger, more traditional dayrooms have been replaced by a series of smaller, efficient and unique social areas that are cosier, more welcoming, and offer different opportunities for relaxation or socializing. Additionally, by providing onshore-level connectivity on board, old ship-bound socializing paradigms are replaced by new. These and similar considerations extend throughout all living and working spaces. Uniting them all is a recognizable form and graphic language, designed to easily distinguish a VARD ship’s interior from its competitors-

CMF & Monogram

The CMF concept for this ship represents four distinct characters, a reference to the Norwegian tradition of celebrating all four seasons. These characters are created through color palettes, mood lighting and material selection. Subtly applied to different types of surfaces throughout the ship, in a wide variety of finishes and methods, is a new custom monogram for VARD, inspired by its logo’s “varde”-like “A.”

Wayfinding

Frequent, meaningful and intuitive wayfinding signage with higher legibility makes navigating the ship both safer and more user friendly. A robust system of graphics and icons works to alleviate disorientation and enable the user to more easily and quickly learn his or her way around the ship.

Conference Rooms

With sweeping ocean views and plentiful light, the conference room provides a bright and positive work environment and facilitates focused collaboration. The room connects to a smaller breakout room designed for small discussions and informal meetings, and creates a gathering place before and after meetings. The rooms and furniture are carefully balanced, allowing for free movement of people, both before and during a meeting. Benches along the back wall provide overflow seating so no one is ever left standing.

Cinema

Not only designed for watching movies in a large group, this multi-use room with integrated stage and screen also acts as a conference room, karaoke bar, and debriefing and presentation center. The cinema is a warm and inviting setting with subtle lighting around the steps and felt wall panels. Made for long periods of sitting, the cinema seating is comfortable. Tiered seatings allow for an unobstructed view of the screen and stage, while felt panels throughout dampen distracting room noise. L-shaped steps provide easy access to seating from multiple areas.

Mess rooms

With large windows allowing for natural light, sweeping views, and access to an outdoor terrace, the mess room is a refreshing environment. Semi-transparent dividers separate the space from serving area to dining area. Versatile seating options give the crew the ability to sit and socialize in large groups, smaller booths, and to sit alone at the bar. Layout ensures that the line does not interrupt the dining area and flows smoothly through the three serving stations. Galley entry behind serving station allows easy access for the cooks, and a connected scullery and serving area provide easy transfer of dishes and food containers.

Crew Cabins

Creating real opportunities for privacy and personal space were serious drivers for the entire ship, but especially important with regards to crew cabins. Montaag designed a layout that provides all crew members with their own private sleeping and living quarters with a shared bathroom, unprecedented on a ship of this caliber. Flexibility and efficiency define these cabins.

Captain's Cabin

Larger than the standard cabins, the Captain’s cabin has ample daylight and generous windows. A private bathroom divides the sleeping and living space, which includes an office area and a sitting area with large sofa, recliner, and coffee table for relaxation and socializing. Felt panels add warmth and visual interest to the living space and reduce any noise from the wetunit behind. The integrated Corian countertop and sink provides a wet-bar with space for a mini-refrigerator. The smart digital wall display is placed in both the sleeping quarters and living quarters, allowing the captain to connect and transform his space to his desires.

Ocean Lounge

With fantastic sea views and natural light, the expansive, aptly named Ocean Lounge is the perfect place for watching the sun set on the open ocean. Directly above and connected to the Mess Room, the Ocean Lounge features four separate areas that allow for several activities.

The Bridge

Heightened focus, smoother, more efficient workflows, and an overall enhanced bridge experience for those stationed here - these are the attributes of the new VARD bridge system. Starting with the deconstruction of experiences from the traditional Captain’s and DP Officer’s chairs, all the way through addressing the complex array of bridge devices and respective interfaces, this new bridge constellation takes advantage of every opportunity to streamline work while increasing comfort—both physical and psychological.

Bridge Levels

A bridge constellation unlike any other brings fresh opportunity for streamlined communication between officers in different areas, while providing a dynamic and uniquely focused control environment that provides an unprecedented field of vision. The Captain sits perched above the ship, overlooking the helideck, in a compact, comfortable and focused environment called the Cockpit Bridge, which boasts a 360 degree, uninterrupted view of the ocean. The main bridge level is focused around an open floor plan giving the occupants a spacious, tailor-made and highly attractive professional work environment, as well as unobstructed, clear views to the exterior.

Command Station

This is a distinctive mariner's chair built for absolute comfort and concentration. Comfortable yet supportive for long stretches of sitting, the Captain’s Chair seat is upholstered in supple, sturdy leather, and framed in light, rigid carbon fiber. The headrest features an integrated gooseneck microphone for non-taxing, hands-free communication.

Levers

A radical user-experience departure, both functionally and ergonomically, the levers’ domed design language fits perfectly in the hand and provides precise tactile and customizable haptic feedback. The super-low profile frees the area immediately beyond the levers, allowing the user to reach the touch interface with minimal hand movement, providing not only a technological step forward, but also a new paradigm in ergonomics and comfort.

Armrest Consoles

Like all aspects of the chair, the arm rests were designed with long working periods in mind. Their shape fits perfectly with the natural resting position of one’s arms, simultaneously reducing fatigue and the risk of repetitive strain injuries. The arm rests are adjustable---both vertically and horizontally---to best fit each of the chair’s occupants.

VARD Levers

Marine Azimuth and Thruster Levers

VARD Levers

Marine Azimuth and Thruster Levers

A radical user-experience departure, both functionally and ergonomically, the levers’ domed design language fits perfectly in the hand and provides precise tactile and customizable haptic feedback. The super-low profile frees the area immediately beyond the levers, allowing the user to reach the touch interface with minimal hand movement, providing not only a technological step forward, but also a new paradigm in ergonomics and comfort.

Azimuth & Thruster Levers

Built for fingertip input with precise tactile feedback, these groundbreaking levers report high-level data instantly, reducing users’ cognitive load for improved performance in high-pressure situations. Closely positioned with a consistent design language between levers, the low-effort, multi-device azimuth and thruster controllers are readily distinguishable from each other---both visually and tactilely. Integrated fully with the VARD OS, the levers are digitally represented on the console screens, in immediate proximity, providing a clear and understable connection between the two.

VARD Captain's Chair

Designed for the next generation VARD ships

VARD Captain's Chair

Designed for the next generation VARD ships

This is a distinctive mariner's chair built for absolute comfort and concentration. Comfortable yet supportive for long stretches of sitting, the Captain’s Chair seat is upholstered in supple, sturdy leather, and framed in light, rigid carbon fiber. The headrest features an integrated gooseneck microphone for non-taxing, hands-free communication.

Capacitive touchscreens are within natural reach on each armrest. The screens are adjustable to the optimal angle for the chair’s occupant, putting more control of the ship’s complex functionality at his or her fingertips. Fully integrated into the bridge operating system, screen content can be “pushed” to larger bridge displays to create a custom dashboard of information from different sources.

NOV // National Oilwell Varco

NOV Trident Crane Concept

NOV // National Oilwell Varco

NOV Trident Crane Concept

National Oilwell Varco is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production operations and the provision of oilfield services to the upstream oil and gas industry. For more information on NOV please visit NOV.com.

Through immersive research and ongoing collaboration, Montaag is working with NOV to reimagine the subsea offshore crane for the 21st century. Alongside NOV’s crane engineering team, we are not only reconceptualizing crane construction and functionality to dramatically increase safety and widen the operational window of any given mission, but also recasting how such cranes are operated. The main elements of this near future concept are the implementation of fiber rope technology and the introduction of a new Lifting Operation Station. The result is a crane with significantly reduced weight and improved hook-capacity in deeper waters.

This concept is an excellent example of NOV’s drive for purposeful innovation and was presented for the first time at Nor-Shipping 2015.

NOV has a pending patent application directed to features and methods of the lifting crane design. All images presented here used with permission from NOV.

The Anza

Hand-made espresso excellence

The Anza

Hand-made espresso excellence

The Anza is a product of Montaag---a California/Norway-based design firm that looks askance at the everyday and asks, "What if?" and "Why not?"

Hand-hewn and differently-shelled, the Anza irreverently expands on the traditional espresso machine material vernacular, while showcasing streamlined construction for an improved user-experience and ease-of-maintenance. (Photos by Jun Belen and Laura Bucholtz, 2014)

Slåke

Slåke is a proud, small furniture factory from Hjelmeland, Norway

Slåke

Slåke is a proud, small furniture factory from Hjelmeland, Norway

Since 1938 Slåke have produced Jærstolen as a modern Norwegian tradition furniture. Scandinavian design, Norwegian production and the use of the tree as a basic material characterize Slåke's products. For Slåke, furniture carpentry means care for the materials and quality of the finished product. Slåke celebrated their 75th anniversary with a vision to create new classics in Nordic design. The team consists of young, innovative designers charged with safeguarding this company’s heritage while uniting the past with the future. For this occasion, Slåke commissioned Montaag to refresh their visual identity.

Inspired by Scandinavian design traditions, Montaag created a minimalist expression to reinforce Slåke’s focus on their products. The colors are inspired from Hjelmeland surroundings---the sun, sky, mountains, cropland, grass, sand and sea. As a counterbalance to an otherwise tight visual profile, we employed the circle to provide a contrast in both shape and color.

Magni Partners

Management consulting company

Magni Partners

Management consulting company

Magni Partners is Tor Olav Trøim’s newly established management consulting company. Commissioned to create the company’s new corporate identity, Montaag created a brand based on the runic lettering around the name Magni (Norse for Magne, the son of Thor). The lettering was then used as the foundation for the Magni Parters’ logo symbol: the logo is formed when all the runic letters spelling Magni are present.

EGE

Tailor-made doors and bespoke quality

EGE

Tailor-made doors and bespoke quality

EGE is traditional manufacture of tailor-made doors and have made quality products for almost a century. With solid craftsmanship and enthusiasm they have created tailor-made doors for architects, construction companies and private clients who wants one of a kind door.

Montaag was commissioned to create a new identity for EGE in regards to a relaunch of the company. After researching EGE’s traditional way of craftsmanship we wanted to create a brand that in the same way conveyed their bespoke quality. To treat it as a high end brand that does not have the need to say to much, but just simply be, and speak for itself. The logo was created after studying and simplifying to the least necessary form needed to visualize a “door”, also the guest of it being open gives a welcoming connotation. The whole identity from the Logo, stationary to the website is created to be clean and subtle in order to let the products tell the story of history, tradition and craftsmanship.

ALTUS Intervention

Well intervention specialists in the North Sea

ALTUS Intervention

Well intervention specialists in the North Sea

ALTUS Intervention are well intervention specialists in the North Sea, offering wireline, wireline tractor, coiled tubing and pumping and logging services in Norway, Denmark and the UK. Formerly Aker Solutions Well Intervention Services, the company was purchased by private equity fund EQT in january 2014, necessitating a rebranding of the entire company. The business was subsequently rebranded to Qinterra AS, comprising the North Sea well intervention service business ALTUS Intervention and the international well intervention technology business Qinterra Technologies.

Montaag was commission to create and implement a new brand into ALTUS Intervention’s website, brochures, business exhibition stands, catalogues and much more. The majority of the company’s rebranded print and digital assets were produced and rolled out within a 9-month timeframe.

Qinterra Technologies

Specialist well intervention technology company operating globally

Qinterra Technologies

Specialist well intervention technology company operating globally

Qinterra Technologies is a specialist well intervention technology company operating globally. They solve customers’ well intervention challenges by offering combinations of innovative and field-proven well intervention technologies and tools. Formerly Aker Solutions Well Intervention Services, the company was purchased by private equity fund EQT in january 2014, necessitating a rebranding of the entire company. The business was subsequently rebranded to Qinterra AS, comprising the North Sea well intervention service business ALTUS Intervention and the international well intervention technology business Qinterra Technologies.

Montaag was commission to create and implement a new brand into Qinterra Technologies website, brochures, business exhibition stands, catalogues and much more. The majority of the company’s rebranded print and digital assets were produced and rolled out within a 9-month timeframe.

IK

IK

Interior graphics for IK’s new building

IK is a niche supplier of solutions, products and service for subsea, pipe and pipeline, focusing on the worldwide oil and gas industry.

Montaag got commissioned to make interior graphics for IK’s new building. The brief was to decorate a three story staircase and three floors of space. Inspiration originated from studying the meaning of the word ‘echo’ – “A close parallel to an idea, feeling, or event” – “repetative”. We wanted to make the decor resonate throughout the building with a interesting ambiant. The solution is based on a system of nine different squares that was deconstructed then generated into a new pattern, the outcome of that prosess became the graphics we scattered throughout the building as the original decor for the space.

First Geo

First Geo is a leading provider of operations and wellsite geology services

First Geo

First Geo is a leading provider of operations and wellsite geology services

First Geo is a leading provider of operations and wellsite geology services. For the past 20 years, the company has delivered expert subsurface advice and products to E&P companies worldwide. Their focus is on geophysics, geology, petrophysics, reservoir engineering and well management. Clients engage First Geo through all phases of a field's life cycle---from exploration to tail end.

Previously part of Aker Solutions, when First Geo was purchased by private investors in 2014, the company required a completely new identity and corporate branding. Enter Montaag. We worked together with company stakeholders to facilitate the process, fully redesigning their coporate identity and branding, including a new website.

Rodeo

Sculptural, playful and unconventional

Rodeo

Sculptural, playful and unconventional

We sit. We sit a lot. Consequently, according to product developer and physiotherapist Frode Skretting, back pain from sitting too much is the most common cause for sick leave. To combat this, Skretting, in cooperation with Hareide Design, developed and designed the Rodeo chair, focusing on motion and ergonomics. The round Rodeo chair is sculptural, playful and unconventional. The chair's form encourages an active and balanced posture while accomodating people's natural tendency to move. The Rodeo was launched in spring 2014 in both the public and private sectors, and from that context we developed the visual identity and brand.

Montaag authored the chair’s name, Rodeo, reflecting the way you sit on the chair while also lending a feeling of playfulness and masculinity to it. Since this project is about public health, and therefore applicable to a wide audience, we chose to accentuate the cardboard box in which the chair is delivered. The use of the upper case "O" as an identity element in the package design strengthens the identity, but also promotes the product individuality, in a playful and indirect way. The “O” form on the carton is a shape between letter and graphic form, just like the chair challenges the boundaries between sculpture and furniture.

Sandnes Kunst & Kulturhus

Sandnes Kunst & Kulturhus

Ryger Lawfirm

Ryger Lawfirm

Ryger is a lawfirm in Stavanger, Norway. The firm offers legal services in most areas of business, with particular focus on real estate, building and construction, as well as labor and bankruptcy.

Montaag was tasked with crafting the identity for the company, beginning with their name: Ryger. Ryger is the old Norse name for the inhabitants of Ryfylke, which is the geographical area in which Stavanger is located. In collaboration with Ryger, the identity created by Montaag reflects their quality, efficiency and professional standing. The website allows visitors to get involved in the work that Ryger engages in, inviting them to see what Ryger is about while also experiencing the beautiful photography that reflects the origin of the company name. The aim of the photographs was to capture the landscape and colors of the Stavanger region, the changing light and all facets. The photographs, by Minna Suojoki, are partially abstracted, providing unique imagery that is both decorative and functional.

ORG Geophysical

Norwegian oil service company that specializes in developing methods to find oil

ORG Geophysical

Norwegian oil service company that specializes in developing methods to find oil

ORG Geophysical is a Norwegian oil service company that specializes in developing methods to find oil. The company’s unique methodology (Induced Polarization technology for hydrocarbon exploration) enables their customers to reduce the margin for error when drilling. ORG Geophysical sends signals to the sea bottom and the analysis of the data received is converted into valuable insights for ORG Geophysical customers.

Inspired by their business practices, Montaag designed an identity that visualizes this method. The idea behind the logo symbol was to visualize the echoing signals with use of the positive and negative space created by the arrows, In addition the drill bit was also a source of inspiration for the symbol. The identity is simple to use and understand for the employees in the company. It imparts symmetry, design and structure.

Electrocompaniet

EC Living

Electrocompaniet

EC Living

Electrocompaniet is best known as a leading manufacturer of high-end sound equipment largely used in recording studios.

The company is entering a new market with the introduction of EC Living, a line of home audio products: compact high-end, wireless speakers that can live on the kitchen counter, in the living room, the bedroom, etc.. This is a modular system where you build or change the speakers as desired. One can easily supplement with additional speaker units as part of a larger house system or to simply to provide more sound in a given room. All content is streamed and controlled through one’s mobile phone, tablet or handheld system remote. Initially, EC Living speakers come in copper, black aluminum, natural aluminum, wood and plastic (in 3 colors). Modularity was the main design focus during the project, Montaag developed and designed the EC Living hardware, as well as the user-interface for the system’s controls.

Barnestemmen

Amplify children’s voices in society

Barnestemmen

Amplify children’s voices in society

Barnestemmen is a company with the vision to amplify children’s voices in society. They develop educational support tools to use when working with children in difficult life situations, such as violence, sexual abuse, alcoholism and other traumatizing experiences. The tools are practical and have a solid research-based foundation. Founder and initiator Sølvi Schei is an educationalist (Can. paed.) specializing in educational psychology.

For Barnestemmen, Montaag was commissioned to develop the company’s visual identity, website, book design and related packaging. With a limited budget, a large dose of humility and a fantastic illustrator (Anders Emil Sommerfeldt), we began a process which fully engaged us, both professionally and emotionally. Barnstemmen’s “Painful Secrets” book series will similarly engage children and, at the same time, be a useful tool for adults.

While children can relate to the situations illustrated even if they do or don´t have "a painful secret," the series should not be perceived as a traditional children's book. It should be treated as a professional support tool for educators. It was important that packaging, size and design generally took this into account. To strike the necessary balance between the books’ academic and "childish" parts, we employed few, but clear design elements, colors and illustrations that would appeal to children’s curiosity. And, placed on the bookshelf, the use of color makes the books easy to locate and select theme and subject.

Madla Amfi

So nice to see you!

Madla Amfi

So nice to see you!

Starting out as Madla Handelslag for over 100 years ago, Amfi Madla has grown to become an attractive place for people in Stavanger, Norway. Consisting of over 80 stores, it is considered as Stavanger´s biggest shopping center.

Amfi Madla needed a new identity. Montaag facilitated the rebranding process and designed a new logo in addition to several printed materials such as store overviews, maps, and banners. The idea behind the logo symbol was to visualize a welcome message by the use of playful typography and colors. The logo created by Montaag reflects that Madla Amfi highly appreciate their customers and one should always feel welcome, hence the meaning of the logo: “So nice to see you!”.

Bavaria

BMW Art Cars - The Book

Bavaria

BMW Art Cars - The Book

In 2012 Jeffrey Koon's painted BMW M3 was safely with the utmost precision placed on Pulpit Rock, a major tourist attraction in its own right located in Forsand, Ryfylke, Norway. Some days afterward, the car rolled into Stavanger Art Museum, along with 6 other cars from the storied and priceless collection.

To commemorate the event, Montaag, along with Scandanavian BMW retailer Bavaria and with spectacular images from Bitmap, developed the concept and design of a book befitting of such a unique project.

inPed

Providing children with a meaningful upbringing

inPed

Providing children with a meaningful upbringing

inPed creates tools for daycare personnel aiming to provide children with a meaningful upbringing. These unique products are the result of and response to many years of experience with the Norwegian kindergarten curriculum.

Montaag was commissioned to create the company’s corporate identity. The logo, based on the company name, uses abstract lettering from circles and straight lines to project an unbroken line to symbolize lifelong learning, community and care. To differentiate inPed products, like Puzzle, from the visual landscape of clipart and cute drawings, we developed a unique, playful, colorful and humorous design that engages both children and adults. To enhance the expression of its products and overall identity, the design we employed on the various inPed boxes is a typographic play, open for individual interpretation of the reconfigured forms taken from the logo. Puzzle illustrations by Jonathan Calugi.

Ross Offshore

A company that stands out

Ross Offshore

A company that stands out

Ross Offshore wanted a website demonstrating how the company stands out from the other oil service companies through their innovative and creative approach. The design and user experience is inspired by the London Underground and the iconic title sequences of the 60ies. The website is designed and developed by Montaag Design in collaboration with the Communication Manager of Ross Offshore, Ole Marius Norvik and illustrator Ståle Ådland.

Ross Offshore gave Montaag the task of designing a new intranet solution, with a clear company profile. Where they could integrate common features from SharePoint and Lync seamlessly on mobile, tablet and screen. Along with Bouvet and the client Montaag Design have developed a solution that is user friendly and engaging.

Rethink Dance

Dance under development

Rethink Dance

Dance under development

Rethink Dance is an art-driven forum for inspiration, exchange and expertise, and features performances by choreographers who are dancers themselves. The forum, aimed at artists, art students, academics, and dancers, is held at a new location each year and is in continuous development.

For Montaag’s identity work for Rethink Dance, we worked with rough brushes on large canvases, which were then photographed. Invigorated by budgetary constraints, we found a complimentary solution in visualizing the spirit of Rethink Dance: dance under development. By painting by hand with brushes on large canvases, we have tried to adopt the fluid, impulsive and intuitive expression indicative of the contemporary dance performed through Rethink Dance.

Shift

Fine organic foods and dietary supplements

Shift

Fine organic foods and dietary supplements

Vitalkost is a reputable producer and supplier of fine organic foods and dietary supplements based on reliable scientific evidence. The company has developed a new product line of vitamin supplements in an already overfilled health market. Vitalkost’s Shift concept is meant to stimulate the public, and subsequently the market, to shine a critical light on such products and the lack of information, transparency, honesty and concrete benefits found therein. Each Shift product aims to individually challenge the established brands of any given subcategory.

Montaag was commissioned to create the identity, packaging and related print materials for this new product. The Shift logo is based on a symbol of an “S” changing form. The product needed to communicate well in terms of packaging and labeling, within the retail environment and to their employees. To assist in this pursuit, each product box was assigned a unique colour palette and decorated with that product’s QR-code. A scan of this code takes users directly to the product’s website and lays the foundation for transparency through access to detail-oriented information and documentation.

Altibox Chill

Live TV and video on all your devices

Altibox Chill

Live TV and video on all your devices

Altibox Chill is a product from Altibox that lets you watch live TV and video on all your devices. Chill portal is open to all Internet users located in Norway. During 2015 movie rentals will be possible on the iPad and mobile via Altibox Chill. This gives you the freedom to watch what you want, where and when it suits you. Unlimited Entertainment! Montaag has designed the Chill desktop portal and is in continuous collaboration with Altibox developing new products.

Trekløver

A small furniture manufacturer specializing in children's furniture

Trekløver

A small furniture manufacturer specializing in children's furniture

Trekløver is a small furniture manufacturer specializing in children's furniture. Initially we were contacted to consider the design for a new crib. Trekløver wanted a new flagship. Their main challenge was that they failed to maintain a profitable production line, even though they had a high turnover of goods.

During this process, we found that the company´s identity had to be changed to enable the company to reposition itself as a high-end manufacturer. Rather than competing with cheap foreign manufacturers about tiny margins. This entailed the development of a new vision and a new business model. The new concept should reflect the values of high quality, modernity, tradition, craftsmanship and the certain little something to surprise and engage. As part of this effort, a new logo and profile materials were developed, deriving their inspiration from old enamelled advertisement signs. A new production line including a crib, nursing table and cupboard were the mark of Trekløver's new market position. The product line focused on the high-quality- and high-end segment.

Cyviz

Systems for high performance visualization and collaboration

Cyviz

Systems for high performance visualization and collaboration

Founded in 1998, Cyviz is a leading manufacturer of systems for high performance visualization and collaboration.

Montaag was commissioned to rebrand the company, creating a new identity and, subsequently, its website, printed materials and other sales and marketing-focused collateral, including a Montaag-produced product movie. Additionally, Montaag helped develop the user interface and related application icons for the Cyviz Display Controller---the operating system for the setup and administration of the company’s AV equipment, used in advanced conference and meeting rooms.

Nu Jäklar är det dags!

Replace guilt with inspiration

Nu Jäklar är det dags!

Replace guilt with inspiration

“Nu Jäklar är det dags!” is a 400-page book project Montaag designed in collaboration with meteorologist, author and speaker Tone Bekkestad. The book was published in Sweden and launched at the COP 15 climate conference in Copenhagen in 2009. Energy-saving production is ripe for dedicated and advanced research on new energy sources, on recycling and on profitable investments in new energy-efficient technologies. The thought behind “Nu Jäklar är det dags!” is to replace guilt with inspiration. Ms. Bekkestad has chosen to focus on facts, not complicated reasoning. The examples in the book do not look to necessarily provide solutions for energy production and consumption quandaries, but, rather, present the amazing possibilities out there.

Montaag chose an alternative tack for this textbook, which addresses and communicates advanced research, and present its information the way rock ‘n’ roll communicates music. The punk rock band Ramones’ song ”Blitzkrieg Bop” was the foundation for the book’s rhythm and design: straight forward, simple and catchy. Or as Joey Ramones sings: ”HEY HO, LETS GO!”. Large imagery and clear messages. Headings are stretched over several pages to inspire the reader and spark curiosity. The body is large and easy to read, to make it less intimidating and to break the barrier easily created by advanced subject matter. All photographs were shot by Knut Bry.